Wings Of Royalty, by RC Royalty, had a pair of third-place finishes to begin his season at Saratoga Casino Hotel, and he was looking to notch a victory in the track’s Open Trot on Sunday (March 31).

The Joe DiStefano trainee is stabled in Massachusetts, but has been a fairly regular participant in the local Open in seasons past. On Sunday, Wings Of Royalty, who was the 8-5 second choice in the wagering in the five-horse feature, utilized his characteristic strong early speed to make an easy lead.

Driver Shawn Gray Wings Of Royalty a nice middle-half breather before asking the seven-year-old to crank up the speed after the 1:28 three quarters. The favoured Cash Me Out (who was driven by Phil Fluet) came calling from last and began to trot up a storm around the final turn, although it was too late to catch Wings Of Royalty, who scored in 1:57.1 for his first win of the season.

Wings Of Royalty, pictured victorious at Saratoga Casino Hotel on March 31, 2019

With the earnings from the victory in the $15,000 Open Trot, Wings Of Royalty increased his career bankroll to over the $800,000 mark.

Cash Me Out lengthened his streak of finishing first or second in the Open to six. Golden Kronos (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) earned the show spot. Wings Of Royalty paid $5.40 to win and led an exacta with the favourite second that returned $7.50.

Live racing resumes on Wednesday at Saratoga with a first post time set for 12:00 p.m.

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)